Tossed Spinach Salad
A vibrant tossed spinach salad with mushrooms, bacon, eggs, and cheddar, dressed in a tangy ketchup-vinegar vinaigrette, perfect for casual gatherings or light meals.
Ingredients
- 10-oz. fresh spinach, torn ⓘ
- 1 lb. fresh mushrooms, sliced ⓘ
- 1/2 lb. sliced bacon, cooked and crumbled ⓘ
- 3 celery ribs, sliced ⓘ
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese ⓘ
- 3 hard-cooked eggs, chopped ⓘ
- 3 green onions, sliced ⓘ
- 1 cup ketchup ⓘ
- 3/4 cup vinegar ⓘ
- 3/4 cup vegetable oil ⓘ
- 1/2 cup sugar ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce ⓘ
Instructions
- In a large salad bowl, combine spinach, mushrooms, bacon, celery, cheese, eggs, and onions.
- In a jar with a tight-fitting lid, combine ketchup, vinegar, vegetable oil, sugar, salt, and Worcestershire sauce; shake until sugar is dissolved.
- Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss to coat.
- Serve immediately.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, consider substituting turkey bacon for the regular bacon. You can also use a mix of baby kale and spinach if you're looking for added nutrients. If you prefer a creamier dressing, try adding a dollop of Practically Fat-Free Blue Cheese Dressing to the vinaigrette. Be sure to wash and dry the spinach thoroughly to avoid a watery salad.
Serving Suggestions
This Tossed Spinach Salad is perfect as a light main course or served alongside grilled meats for a refreshing side. It pairs beautifully with Pork recipes like Sweet Pork Chops And Beans Baked or can be enjoyed with crusty bread. Consider adding some toasted nuts or seeds for extra crunch and nutrition.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To keep the spinach crisp, consider storing the dressing separately and adding it just before serving. If reheating any bacon, use a microwave or a skillet to maintain its crispiness without overcooking.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Tossed Spinach Salad contains roughly 358 calories, with 11g protein, 40g carbohydrates, and 18g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (27% of the Daily Value), protein (22% of the Daily Value), and calcium (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 737mg per serving (32% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the dressing ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dressing up to a week in advance. Store it in the refrigerator in a tightly sealed jar. Just give it a good shake before drizzling it over the salad, as the ingredients may separate over time.
What can I substitute for the bacon?
If you're looking for a vegetarian option, you can replace the bacon with roasted chickpeas or crispy tofu for added texture. Alternatively, smoked turkey or pancetta can provide a similar flavor profile while keeping the dish hearty.
Is this salad suitable for meal prep?
Yes, this salad can be meal prepped, but it's best to keep the dressing separate until ready to eat. Assemble the salad ingredients in containers, and store the dressing in a small jar. This will help maintain the freshness and texture of the spinach.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).